Would you let your teen goto the mall alone for an hour? At what age?

[Anonymous]

I have an errand to do near the mall today, my son suggested that he goto the mall while I am out doing my errand. He is 14 and does not usually go places alone except in the neighborhood. Would you let a 14 year old goto the mall alone for an hour? It's a nice kind of upscale mall if it matters any. On the one hand everyone says 14 is almost an adult. On the other hand I am not sure I want him there without me, even though I know he would be fine.

[Anonymous]

Alone - 16

With friends - 12/13

[Anonymous]

What concerns you?

[Anonymous]

Do teens still go to malls? Do malls still exist?

[Anonymous]

My mom started dropping off my friend and I at the mall when we were 12. But do teens still go to the mall these days? I thought they were all at home in their rooms texting the ‘talking’ their their friends on instagram, snapchat, or whatever...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What concerns you?

Same poster again. I just dropped my 11 year old son off at a surf shop down the boardwalk while I went to walk on the beach for some exercise. I think the worst that could happen is that someone might wonder why he’s there alone and whether he may try to shoplift. But he had money and a goal (a hood for surfing). Everything turned out fine. It’s good for them to have some independence. Builds self confidence.

[Anonymous]

I see no cause for concern.

[Anonymous]

I'd be okay with my 13 year old visiting a particular store or the food court while I was doing something else at the mall. I don't know how I'd feel about dropping him off and driving away. Maybe I'd do that at age 15-16 for an hour or so. I think the biggest problem is that unchaperoned teenagers are not welcome at the malls anymore. Store clerks and security do not want to supervise them.

[Anonymous]

DS is 13 and while I’ve left him at one store (usually Game Stop) alone while I go to another, I’m not sure I’d leave him for an entire hour to roam the mall by himself. I worry that he might look like an unsuspecting victim and get his phone or wallet stolen. I know, probably not your concern at your upscale mall, but still a concern. I think once he has gotten a hang of securing his “valuables” and walking around with awareness I would drop him off alone.

[Anonymous]

Which malls, because it makes a big difference.

[Anonymous]

14, fine, 11, no - not fair to expect store staff to babysit your kid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd be okay with my 13 year old visiting a particular store or the food court while I was doing something else at the mall. I don't know how I'd feel about dropping him off and driving away. Maybe I'd do that at age 15-16 for an hour or so. I think the biggest problem is that unchaperoned teenagers are not welcome at the malls anymore. Store clerks and security do not want to supervise them.

Its not their job to supervise. Its the parents job to supervise.

[Anonymous]

My kid takes public transportation to the mall at 14. I can't imagine thinking they need to be 16 to be alone in a daytime commercial setting.

[Anonymous]

At 14? For an hour? Sure!

When DD was in 6th grade she would be allowed to go to the mall with a friend, and a parent would park themselves somewhere IN the mall. The kids had a watch or phone and had to meet at the agreed upon time.

DD and I had a lot of talks over the years about finding things she wants and telling me later, and what to do if her friends shoplift or encourage her to shoplift. In 7th grade I'd let her go to the mall with certain friends who I knew were not the type to dare, not thrill seekers,

[Anonymous]

My son took public transportation in 7th grade ....12-13, so yes I would let him go to the mall alone at 14.